I Love My Bump: Week 31

 

How far along?
31 weeks, 4 days today!

Trimester?
3rd!

How many days until my due date?
31 days to 36 weeks!!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of a pineapple!

 

Weight gain?
I gained about 4 more pounds

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The twins are measuring over 16 inches long and Liam weighs 4 pounds 5 ounces and Asher is a little smaller weighing less than 4 pounds. The doctor said it's normal for one twin to be bigger than the other. The twins are entering a growth spurt and can turn their heads from side to side, and their arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath the skin. Their kicks and somersaults are keeping me up some nights. I know all of the moving is a good thing thought because that means they are active and healthy!

Pregnancy symptoms?
I still have the sniffles! Some pregnant people I know have full blown infections and are miserable so I can handle the sniffles. Other than that I've been feeling pretty good.

Cravings/Aversions?
Coffee :( Sparkling grape juice, Mountain Dew :(

Sleep?
Sleeping well! Just going to the bathroom a lot at night!

Belly Button?
In!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No major swelling!

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
I've had dreams but nothing crazy or out of the ordinary.

Best moment of the week? 
The snow storm over the weekend! I LOVE snow and we got probably about 8-10 inches? It was beautiful!!! By far the best moment this week was getting to see our twins and finding out how much they weigh! Also, my doctors appointment couldn't have gone better..my cervix is back at a 30. Yay! And the boys are healthy and growing. We were having our ultrasound and she couldn't get some measurements because Asher was doing his practice breathing for approximately 30 min. I think he's going to be feisty and have a good set of lungs on him!!! Liam was also practicing but he's pretty laid back and decided to take a rest after about 15 min. Can't wait to meet these two boys!

What I'm loving?
Christmas is almost here, My grandma's retirement is almost here, and that means the TWINS are almost here!!!!

What I miss?
Just being able to do everyday things without getting winded and having to take a break. I get so worn out easily! My old body. Just being able to bend over to put on my shoes and put lotion on my legs. Painting my toenails!

What I'm looking forward to?
Another week down! I'm actually looking forward to labor. As weird as that sounds, I know it will be tough, painful, dreadful, and exhausting...but the end result is going to be so worth it!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Excited. Nervous. Anxious

Boys, Girls, or Both?
BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte

 

Movement?
All the time! They kick, punch, roll over, and push out on my belly more times a day than I can count!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been helping me with my nesting projects and getting stuff ready for the arrival of the twins!

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor told me yesterday that he will start weaning me off of my medicine at 35 weeks. And we will have some things to start doing to get labor progressing. So the way it looks Jan. 11th is the hopeful time the twins will make their arrival.

Nesting?
Not to bad this week!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Insight: Eyes "I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth." -Psalm 121:1-2 Lord, thank you for creating our eyes. Thank you that my baby's eyes are open, that his irises dilate and contract according to how much light is let into my womb. Thank you for designing us so intricately. Our bodies are so adaptable, right down the the tiniest part. God, will you give our children eyes that recognize the beauty of the world around them? From a very early age, will you instill in them an understanding that all this beauty was created by someone- and that that someone was you? Give him insight into the nature of his Creator. Open their eyes to the hidden treasures of this planet. Give them a curiosity about the environment, a love for the earth you created. And when they enjoy the grass and trees and the sky and the sunset, may they praise your holy name and give you all the glory. Glory to you, Lord, for your miraculous creation!

The 1st Snow Storm of the Year!

We had our first big snow of the season and it's not even winter yet! It started on Thursday and continued through Friday night late. It was beautiful and I can't remember the last time we've gotten this much snow! They estimated on the news for our area we got around 8-10 inches. It's sticking around and even snowed Sunday morning some. Some more snow is on the way for Monday night in to Tuesday!

 

 

I Love My Bump: Week 30

How far along?
30 weeks, 5 days today!

 

Trimester?
3rd!

How many days until my due date?
37 days to 36 weeks!!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of a head of cabbage!

 

Weight gain?
I go to the doctor Friday so we shall see..I'm thinking I probably gained the lost weight and maybe a pound more...the babes' have really grown this week.

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The babes are supposed to be weighing in at 3 pounds this week. However, Liam is weighing in at 3 pounds 9 ounces and Asher is weighing in at 3 pounds 6 ounces. Brain monitoring studies indicate that as the babes sleep there is a good chance that dreaming occurs. The babes open and close and blink their eyes (we have seen them do that on ultrasound...we can see their little eyelids opening and closing!!!) Their vision is still rather poor at this stage and will remain so for a few months after delivery.

Pregnancy symptoms?
I'm doing ok. I have the sniffles still, but it's not an infection so I'm beginning to think it's pregnancy related which is quite common. I'm very emotional. My baby app on my phone told me that it's normal to be overly emotional and have high levels of anxiety at this point. Boy were they right! I have also been having problems with my sciatic nerve :( not fun at all!

Cravings/Aversions?
I'm craving cheese ball. Yum!!

Sleep?
Sleeping well! Just going to the bathroom a lot at night!

Belly Button?
In!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No major swelling! Except my face is obviously a little more swollen than normal and my lips look like I injected them with collegian...

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
 I had a dream Jared made the honor roll at school and I was so proud of him. haha

Best moment of the week? 
Getting the nursery done!! I've been trying to get the mobile and artwork up on the walls for weeks and just haven't done it. I'm officially done and ready for them to make their arrival!!

 
Another fun moment this week...my grandma has approximately 25 days until she retires! She got her retirement present early from my grandpa this week! She got a brand new 2014 Ford Explorer, fully loaded. I am green with envy lol. Jared and I have been talking about getting this car for ourselves in the near future.

I went to the doctor for my weekly appointment last week and my cervix is looking good and strong! YAY!!! I have been cleared to do more things like shop but just not all day like I used too. I was told I can relax and not be so stressed about going into labor soon. The risk is highly unlikely! So that puts my mind at ease! I'll be switching my medication at 32 weeks which is right around the corner. I can't believe how fast time has flown by!

What I'm loving?
The season! I love going to the mall and seeing all of the Christmas décor and driving home and seeing all the Christmas lights on the houses. Such a happy time of year!

What I miss?
Just being able to do everyday things without getting winded and having to take a break. I get so worn out easily!

What I'm looking forward to?
Going to the doctor Friday and then doing some more Christmas shopping. I'm glad I've been cleared to do that!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Excited. Nervous. Anxious

Boys, Girls, or Both?
BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte

 

Movement?
All the time! The kicks are crazy these days...it feels like they are going to come through my stomach! It's crazy, but I love it! They are getting so big!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders! My doctor was a little surprised that I haven't had any stretch marks at this point. He told me I have a pretty belly...let's hope it stays this way!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been working and doing pretty much everything else around the house during the week. He loves cooking now which is a plus for me!!!

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor told me this week he thinks at this point everything is looking good for me to make it to 36 weeks! Jan. 11, 2014. So looks like we will have a baby by then!

Nesting?
Well if staying up until midnight, spending two hours rearranging the bookshelf in the nursery and putting the books in size order counts as nesting....then yes I have been lol.

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Inner Beauty: Hair "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting , the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!...As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy." -Luke 1:41-42, 44
Lord, I can't wait to see if my baby has hair or not! Will they be born with peach fuzz, curly tufts, or a head as bald as a bowling ball? Will their hair be dark or light or somewhere in between? God, thank you for giving us hair. It's just one more thing that adds to our uniqueness. Your hair can say so much about you- your tastes, your style, your creative nature. May my children be content with whatever kind of hair you put on their sweet little heads. May they find it uniquely beautiful. I pray that they will live a long and full life- that someday they will have gray hair (although they'll probably die it!) Gray hair is a sign of maturity and wisdom- of age and experience. Help them not to dread getting older, but to embrace the beauty of each year you give them here on earth. Help them to look forward to the day when their time here is done, and you take them home.

Baby Bump's 1st Thanksgiving!

7 1/2 Months Pregnant!

We had a very blessed Thanksgiving this year! We have so much to be thankful for this year! It's crazy to think this time next year we will be celebrating Liam & Asher's 1st Thanksgiving! We first went to Jared's grandmas to have lunch with his family. We spent the day with his parents, his brother and his girlfriend, Jen, his uncle Llyod and Aunt Theresa, his uncle Tim, and his grandma. We had a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, salad, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cheese casserole, stuffing, rolls, chocolate cake, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pineapple cake. Needless to say we were stuffed by the time we left!

Jared cutting the ham at my grandparents!

Jared, the great turkey carver!

Our next stop was my grandparent's house for dinner! This year it was only my dad, Jennifer, and Gavin, my grandparents, and us! Tim and Patty spent Thanksgiving in Florida with her parents this year, and Andrew, Krista and the girls stayed home in Kansas City.  We had yet another wonderful feast of turkey, glazed ham (my favorite), homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce(my favorite), a pumpkin roll (I'm a tad obsessed with pumpkin these days!), chocolate pecan pie(my favorite), and a coconut cream pie that Jennifer made. Jared and I managed to waddle home after eating all of this food! But I can't wait for leftovers tomorrow!!! We were going to venture out to walmart for the start of black Friday like we usually do, but this pregnant woman just couldn't find it in me to go out for the madness. Surprisingly, I wasn't even sad like I thought I might be. My grandma and I love watching the crazy people! lol. This will be the first year in many years that my grandma and I haven't gone black Friday shopping in St. Louis. Kind of sad about that, but I'm worn out and we could take a year off I suppose. There is always online shopping, which I'm really good at!!! So this is how my Thanksgiving ended...

I Love My Bump: Week 29

How far along?
29 weeks, 5 days today!

 

Trimester?
3rd!

How many days until my due date?
44 days to 36 weeks!!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of an acorn squash!

 

Weight gain?
I actually lost three pounds this week?

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The babes are supposed to be weighing in this week at 2 1/2 pounds. Our babes are over 3 pounds! They are 15 inches from head to toe. No wonder my belly grew so much this past week! Muscles and lungs continue to mature, and the babes' heads are growing bigger to make room for their developing brain. This trimester about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in the babes' hardening skeleton each day! Glad I'm drinking my milk and orange juice!

Pregnancy symptoms?
Well because I'm taking this medicine...I got sick Saturday night. I haven't thrown up my whole pregnancy besides the times that the toothpaste made me. It was really strange, I guess I didn't eat enough with the medicine. And I have allergies. So my nose is stopped up, which doesn't add much fun to pregnancy!

Cravings/Aversions?
I'm craving avocado egg rolls from California Pizza Kitchen...glad I got some this week! I'm also craving sparkling white grape juice. I managed to drink a whole bottle in about a day! And I went to the hot pink oven in town to get some cupcakes that were delicious!!!!

Sleep?
Sleeping well! Just going to the bathroom on average 4 times a night :(

Belly Button?
In!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No major swelling! Except my face is obviously a little more swollen than normal and my lips look like I injected them with collegian...

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
 I have had dreams but nothing to weird or strange. I did dream about a girl I went to high school with and I haven't seen her or talked to her since we graduated 9 years ago.

Best moment of the week? 
Getting to eat Thanksgiving dinner!!!!!!! I'd been looking forward to that for a while lol. Also, I got another doctor's appointment under my belt and my cervix was looking good yet again so a big sigh of relief there! 44 more days until the boys are here!
 
What I'm loving?
The season! I love going to the mall and seeing all of the Christmas décor and driving home and seeing all the Christmas lights on the houses. Such a happy time of year!

What I miss?
Wearing my old clothes. At just shy of 30 weeks I've been blessed to have only gained weight in my stomach, but man I miss wearing all of my old clothes.

What I'm looking forward to?
Going to the doctor next week...I'm on weekly appointments now. Only 6 more appointments scheduled...yikes!!!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Sadness about not going black Friday shopping because I'm to worn out!

Boys, Girls, or Both?
BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte

 

Movement?
All the time! The kicks are crazy these days...it feels like they are going to come through my stomach! It's crazy, but I love it! They are getting so big!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders! My doctor was a little surprised that I haven't had any stretch marks at this point. He told me I have a pretty belly...let's hope it stays this way!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared made his own dough this week. A pinterest project he found. He is so funny!! He loves trying new recipes and he's been picking up the house. Rubbing my back and feet every night. Funny he did all of that before I was pregnant. lol

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor told me this week he thinks at this point everything is looking good for me to make it to 36 weeks! Jan. 11, 2014. So looks like we will have a baby by then!

Nesting?
Not to much.

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Intimacy: Bone Marrow
"For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother's womb." -Psalm 139:13 Lord my babes' bone marrow is completely in charge of making their bodies red blood cells now. You do think of everything, don't you? I'm amazed at how you intricately design the parts of the body we'll never even see. God, I want my children to love you with the deepest part of them, all the way down to their marrow. So many people claim to know you, but I want so much more than that for my children. I want them to know you deeply, to have a real and intimate relationship with you. I want them to long for your presence. I want them to crave your word. I want them to ache to hear your voice. I know I play a huge role in my children's relationship with you- whether it's just on the surface or goes deep down in their heart and soul. Give me a bottomless desire for you, and help to pass it down to them.

I Love My Bump: Week 28

7 Months!!

 

How far along?
28 weeks, 5 days today!

 

Trimester?
3rd!

How many days until my due date?
51 days to 36 weeks!!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of an eggplant!

 

Weight gain?
I only gained one pound this week.

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The babies are supposed to weigh around 2 1/2 pounds...our babies weigh around 3 pounds each! Hopefully they put on a few more pounds before they are born! They can differentiate my voice from Jared's now! Their kicks and movements are more noticeable at this point, and kicks feel blunt and more forceful.

Pregnancy symptoms?
Emotional. I think it's because it's nearing the end and I'm getting excited and nervous!

Cravings/Aversions?
I'm craving salad all the time. Anything Mexican! Frappes from McDonald's. I'm ready to eat turkey and ham!!

Sleep?
Sleeping well! I think it's because of my body pillow! Besides the fact I have to get up multiple times a night to go to the restroom!

Belly Button?
In!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No major swelling!

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
 I haven't had any real prominent dreams this week.

Best moment of the week? 
Going to the doctor and hearing that my cervix is back up to 35! Also, I scheduled all of my appointments until delivery day...that was surreal! I have 7 more appointments left! At my appointment yesterday we saw the babies' eyelids. That was really cool! And we saw Asher hiccupping, like he always does! Liam was sucking his thumb, which was sooo sweet!!!
With the holidays here...I'm thinking the time is going to fly by fast! I also scheduled the twins' newborn photos with Lyndsey Portell! I'm really excited about that! I also got my breast pump this week...I'm so weird but this was exciting for me!

 

I also got these outfits so they can match their daddy!!


What I'm loving?
Waking up early every morning and turning all of my Christmas lights on and sitting in the room relaxing! Watching Christmas movies. Doing some Christmas shopping. Ready to eat Thanksgiving dinner.

What I miss?
I miss drinking coffee! I really need some decaf K-cups!

What I'm looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to next week's appt. and hopefully getting the same good news! I'm looking forward to eating all I can eat on Thanksgiving! Black Friday??? That might be my one outing for the week if everything is ok!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
I've cried a lot. Nervous about possibly having to stay in the hospital overnight which I didn't have to. I can't believe the past three years all we have focused on was getting a baby. We not only got one but two, and they are almost here! It's amazing to me that God knew we would have these two boys before we even had a second thought about having a baby. He has a plan for both of their lives. That is just amazing!

Boys, Girls, or Both?
BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte

 

Movement?
All the time! The kicks are crazy these days...it feels like they are going to come through my stomach! It's crazy, but I love it! They are getting so big!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been cooking and picking up the house! He's the best! God really blessed my life with him!

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor told me this week he thinks at this point everything is looking good for me to make it to 36 weeks! Jan. 11, 2014. So looks like we will have a baby by then!

Nesting?
Just washing baby clothes and preparing everything for their arrival...7 weeks 4 more days!!!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul":  Future-Dreams "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
Lord, our babies are starting to dream already! Don't ask me how doctors and scientists know these kinds of things. I'll just have to trust them. But I must admit it boggles my mind that our babies can dream before they even leave the womb. I pray that our children will dream big dreams for their future. I pray that you will bless them with a healthy confidence in who they are. I pray that they won't be afraid to pursue anything their hearts desire. And I hope and pray their dreams will align with the ones you've had for them since before time began. Lord, bless them as they sleep with peaceful dreams. And when they awake, help them to form an exciting and positive vision for their future. Do big things through them, God. I can't wait to see what you have planned!!!

I Love My Bump: Week 27

Third Trimester!!!

 

 

 

 

How far along?

27 weeks, 5 days today!

 

 Trimester?

3rd!

How many days until my due date?

58 days to 36 weeks

How big are the babies?

The babies are the size of a rutabaga!

Weight gain?

I've gained 4 more pounds...I'm at 27 pounds gained right now.

What milestones did the babies reach this week?

I've reached the third trimester!! The boys were measured this week and Liam weighs 2 pounds 9 ounces and Asher weighs 2 pounds 6 ounces! Eyelashes are forming and the babies may now begin to open their eyes from time to time. Due in part to their larger size, increased  body fat stores, and more mature lungs, the babies have a better chance of survival if they were born today.

Pregnancy symptoms?

Heartburn and acid reflux. It's worse because of the medicine I'm on for my cervix. 

Cravings/Aversions?

Fried chicken salad, oatmeal, chocolate chip cookie dough(which I can't have)

Sleep?

Sleeping ok. My hips get sore and pop when I turn over.  

Belly Button?

It's still there but not popped out yet.

Wedding rings on or off?

On!

Swelling?

No major swelling!

Labor signs?

None that I can feel!

Dreams?

I dreamed that Asher had a ton of spiked up blonde hair!

Best moment of the week?

The best moment of the week was our baby shower! It was so surreal to finally get to go our shower and have people bring gifts for our unborn babies!



What I'm loving?

I'm loving the colder weather. Christmas is almost here!!

 

What I miss?

Not being worried about everything every single day!

What I'm looking forward to?

Going to the doctor next week and hopefully getting a good report! Praying my cervix lengthens a little or stays stable.

What emotions have I experienced this week?

Nervous. My cervix shortened a little. So I'm taking medicine to help lengthen it.

Boys, Girls, or Both?

BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte

Movement?

All the time. Kicking and punching me or each other lol. It's pretty funny when we go places and I sit down and you can visibly see them doing their thing.

Stretch marks?

None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders!

What has daddy been up to this week?

Jared has been doing everything since I've been on house rest. Love him dearly!

When do I think I will go into labor?

My doctor told me this week he thinks at this point everything is looking good for me to make it to 36 weeks! Jan. 11, 2014. So looks like we will have a baby by then!

Nesting?

Washing tons of clothes and getting our hospital stuff ready just in case I have to be hospitalized for my cervix at some point.

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Appreciation: Breath
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." -Psalm 150:6
Lord, my little ones are taking some practice breaths inside of me. Isn't that unreal? I must confess, I rarely take time to stop and pay attention to the breaths I take. I wonder how many times I breathe in and out in one minute, one hour, one day. Without you, I couldn't take a single one. It says in Psalms, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." There are so many ways we can praise you, for as long as we have breath. Father, I pray that my children will be aware of you at all times. I pray that they will appreciate you and the many gifts that you've lavished on us. May they demonstrate their appreciation in tangible ways each day. "Don't waste your breath" is a worn-out cliché, but I do pray that my children never wastes their breath. I pray that he considers carefully what they want to spend their time and efforts doing. And I pray they choose to honor you by living as life of gratitude.